Joe Parker
Joe Frank Parker, son of the late Dock Wiley Parker and Olivia Clementine Davis Parker, quietly passed away Monday, January 29, 2024, at his residence in Avail Senior Living.
He was preceded in death by his brothers Tom Parker and Dan Parker and his sister, Jean Parker Espy. He is survived by the love of his life and wife of 67 years, Mary Elizabeth Rollins Parker, three children: Joey Keith Parker (Karen) of Tuscaloosa, A., Tony Dwight Parker (Treva) of Cleveland, Tn., and daughter Marilyn (Terri) Parker Simms (Mark) of Maui, Hi., nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
After graduating from Christiana High School, Christiana, Tn. in May 1949, Joe joined the U.S. Navy. After his enlistment, Joe returned to Christiana and began his career with Bell South.
35 years later, Joe retired from the BellSouth telephone company after working his way up from lineman to line foreman. He retired at an early age so he could spend more time with his wife in the home they built together in Cleveland. In retirement, Joe nurtured his knack for gardening by way of a peach orchard & thriving home-garden. This time was also spent with his grandchildren; whom he loved to ride around on his riding lawn mower and tractor.
Joe displayed his love for his children & grandchildren through hands-on teaching. For example, he served as coach for his two sons' baseball teams. He taught his grandchildren about gardening by encouraging them to help out in his orchard or home-garden. He also spent many hours helping his grandchildren with their math homework, insisting they never use a calculator.
He and Mary made multiple trips to visit their daughter and family overseas. Additionally, they visited their son and family in Alabama when they could and always made it to holiday gatherings at their son and family's home in Cleveland.
In addition to nature, Joe enjoyed playing baseball and golf, as well as watching Nascar. He would bring Mary along while fishing and bird hunting. For many years he enjoyed motorcycle riding adventures with the family. He took advantage of volunteer opportunities at his children’s schools and as a Junior Achievement facilitator, this was a great role for Joe as he was extremely gifted in math and money matters. This gift led him to become a long-term treasurer of the local AT&T Pioneers Club. He also served in myriad official roles in the Black Fox - McDonald Ruritan Club.
Joe will be remembered as wise, capable, and attentive by those closest to him. He served his family and community well in his time.
The Remembrance of Life Service will be conducted on Saturday, Feb. 3 at 2 p.m. at Jim Rush Funeral and Cremation Services North Ocoee Chapel with Doyle Hawkins sharing.
Interment will follow in the Laurel Hills Cemetery in Bradley County with Jeffrey Parker, Jesse Parker, Jason Parker, Eric Parker, Matthew Simms, Marshall Simms and Mark Simms serving as casket bearers. The family request in lieu of flowers, Memorials be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital by going to stjude.org.
The family will receive friends from 12 to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Jim Rush Funeral and Cremation Services North Ocoee Chapel who has charge of the arrangements. You may share your condolences and your memories with the Parker family at www.jimrushfuneralhomes.com.